Vanuatu - Part 2

On Sunday we went looking for something fun to do and found ourselves on a ferry to Erakor Island.

The lady next to me was smiling at the kids - this is Tasi's 'I am not looking at you so you are not looking at me' look!!

We kept a look out for falling coconuts

And explored the island.

I was reevaluating my choice of shirt colors for Tas as she was playing hide-and-seek with me on our expedition. Can you spot the baby?!

Playing silly games while waiting for lunch.

Afterwards, Koa enjoyed his yummy ice cream . . . Don's promptly fell in the sand. He was having a bad day :(

Wading in the water.

Check out these starfish!

On the way back Don, um, stubbed his toe on a rock on the beach.

Tasi overheard a lady telling Don that she would be right back after she found a local leaf that they use to stop the bleeding. Tas then found a leaf and brought it over!

The kids had fun messing around while Don took a little rest before we headed back.

We may have been tired and Don bleeding, but the view was beautiful from our room.

On Monday Tasi and I went for a walk to find Don more bandages.

While the boys played checkers.

A pretty lazy day with fun games and toys.


Tuesday was our last full day. Makoa and I went to the Arts & Crafts Market and did a little shopping. In the evening we shared fresh lime juice.

And found a place having a disco party at 5pm. We went to check out the menu and Makoa said, "Wait, I just have to dance." So we stayed and danced!


Wednesday we flew out at 3pm, despite the kids not wanting to leave AT ALL! So one more quick trip to town with a stop at the swings.

And then back to Sydney.

Vanuatu - Part 1

We just spent the week in Port Vila, Vanuatu! The kids woke up at 4:30 and 5:30am Australian time so I have already had enough time to get pictures up :)

On a jet plane last Thursday.

When we landed we found what was left of our bag.

Why did it have to be my clothes at the bottom? Half of my vacation wardrobe has holes in it. Still waiting for further word from Air Vanuatu about compensation . . . After a few hours at the airport dealing with paperwork we made it to our room at Chantilly's.

On Friday Makoa took some photos of our view

after thanking me for the new Elmo game I put on the iPod for the holiday!

After a relaxing day, Don ended up carrying both kids to town for dinner at Chill's.

Best part of course was dessert. A blue cupcake for Makoa and some of my coconut ice cream for Tasiana.

Earlier in the day Tas and I found an awesome park so we decided to stop on our way home. The kids played with about 15 local kids making trains down the slide and Don got stuck pushing more than just our own on the swings!


On Saturday we went swimming in the morning. Of course Daddy was the most fun in the water!


And while the baby napped, Makoa and I went exploring with the camera.


Then another dip in the pool.

And out to dinner with the highlight being the blended fruit punch and lychee juices.

Crafty Girl - Part 3

Birthday presents!

I was a bit nervous turning my homemade items into gifts but I figured I might as well try and see how it goes. Last weekend Tasi's friend turned 1. I made him a little pouch to hold his cars or whatever, or to do like Tas and put things in . . . take them out - repeat!

I bought this fabric years ago and love it! And since he is little I didn't use a zipper, but instead it velcros.

Today we went to his sister's 5th birthday party. I worked so hard on this dress.

The fabric I used is gorgeous but a pain in the butt to work with. It wants to fray everywhere and doesn't stay straight, hence the bias tape hem. But I am hoping it looks cute on . . . and that it fits! I also threw in a matching headband.

A little felt, stitched fabric, and cast off beads - cute.

Crafty Girl - Part 2

What did you do today? First I called Grandma Dawn to wish her a very happy birthday! Then I made a dress . . . yes JBB made.a.dress. Well actually this is my second one, the first one will be posted soon. But check out how adorable Tasi looks!


I found the front panel at a recycle garbage place. It is a bit sheer in places so I lined it with one of Don's old shirts (yellow armpit stains were cut out!) I modified the pattern found here, and am thrilled with the results. Yes, very proud of myself over here!

Now off to take Makoa to a 5th birthday party, hope you have a fun weekend too!